Both Belfiore and Britton had been working out at Baltimore's complex in Sarasota, Fla., throwing bullpen sessions and simulated games to stay ready in case they were needed.

Belfiore tried to keep up with Friday's game, though he admits to dozing off; he and Britton drove to St. Petersburg together for the game against Tampa Bay.

"We'll see what happens. I can't control when I go in there, but I can control how I prepare and all that. That's the most important thing," said Belfiore, who added that he's "ready to go" after last throwing on Thursday.

Manager Buck Showalter said that Belfiore and Britton will remain with the club the rest of the way. They could be called into action quickly depending on the health of starter Miguel Gonzalez, who left his previous start, on Sunday, in the sixth inning with a strained right groin. Gonzalez passed all the necessary tests, but Showalter said "you can't imitate going off the mound, fielding a ground ball."